Can you tell us about WWOOF and what its aims are?
Worldwide Workers On Organic Farms (WWOOF) is an international organisation that aims to promote organic growing techniques. When you become a member of WWOOF, you gain access to a list of hosts worldwide who require help on their farms on a short or long-term basis. You get to work on an organic farm in exchange for board, lodge and first hand experience of sustainable farming methods.
The hosts are mainly pursuing simple, sustainable lifestyles, often practising permaculture or bio-dynamic growing methods. Some are commercial producers, and others are alternative co-operatives or communities.
It is possible to arrange placements lasting from one weekend to a year, which means anyone can volunteer, whether you’re on a gap year, studying or even working full-time. Whilst some countries have their own national WWOOF organisations (for example, Australia, the UK and Italy) others are members of WWOOF Independents. Annual single membership costs £15, but you can join as a couple for £20.
What was your volunteer placement like and what did it involve?
My boyfriend, Owen, and I chose to work on a farm in Spain, as our dream is to one day own a self-sufficient smallholding there. Our hosts, Pat and Val were extremely friendly, positive and enthusiastic about the WWOOF organisation. They have a smallholding to the north east of Barcelona, where they have lived for the past 40 years. They were very organised and had a list of jobs they wanted us to do during the two weeks we were there.
The tasks ranged from forest clearing using axes, saws and strimmers, to painting the wood around the outhouses with oil to preserve it. Pat and Val follow a strict daily routine — breakfast is at 8am, and work begins at 9:30am. We would work until 11:30am and then stop for a tea and fruit break. We’d then work for another hour or so until lunch, have a long siesta break, and start work again at 4:30pm. Two hours later came swimming time, followed by a relaxing organic beer on the terrace. On our days off, they would drive us up into the Pyrenees to seek out our own dream home.
What are the most and least enjoyable things about doing this placement?
The most enjoyable thing was being out in the middle of beautiful countryside — quite a treat after a long winter working in an office! The least enjoyable thing was the fact that I suffered hay fever quite badly during the entire two-week stay. Next time I’ll check the pollen count before I WWOOF!
What do you think are the benefits of volunteering with WWOOF?
The benefits of volunteering with WWOOF are varied and wide-ranging. The opportunity to visit countries all around the world, without it costing the earth is an obvious one. Also, having the chance to learn hands-on about organic gardening is invaluable. By spending time with people who have been following a sustainable lifestyle for many years, you learn about the mistakes they’ve made, and can pick up some useful advice.
Do you feel that you were able to make a positive environmental impact?
I felt that the biggest environmental impact we made was that we spent our holiday in a manner that did not exploit anyone or damage any traditions, culture or areas of natural beauty, as many other holiday options seem to these days. This was a small but positive step towards a more sustainable future for everyone.
What would be your "top tips" for someone interested in getting some voluntary experience?
My "top tip" would be to ask your prospective hosts lots of questions before you commit to working with them. Make sure that they genuinely do have an organic farm and follow a lifestyle that is agreeable to your own ethics.
I have heard of people arranging placements on the honest assumption that they would be visiting an organic farm, only to discover that the farming methods used are anything but. Living in someone’s house can be difficult if you don’t see eye to eye about something like recycling, for example.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask in advance what will be expected of you. If you’re not so keen on animals, check that the hosts don’t keep cats and dogs, or worse, expect you to clean out the stables for their horse-riding school!
I would also advise people to go along with an open mind. WWOOFing is intended to be an exchange of ideas: you’ll learn a lot about life as well as organic farming if you’re willing to listen. Even if your hosts may occasionally seem a bit barking, listen carefully and you’ll find wisdom there. WWOOF and be happy!
WWOOF
www.wwoof.org
This article was first published by People & Planet, who have teamed up with The Ethical Careers Guide to bring you this service. If you found it useful, please consider supporting our work.
